Thank you for downloading and trying Battlezone 2: Epic

===============================
EPIC PROJECT PART I FOR
BATTLEZONE][(TM)
README
Last updated July 11 2010
===============================

TABLE OF CONTENTS

I. INTRODUCTION

II. ADDITIONAL NOTES

III. INSTALLATION
   System Requirements

IV. TROUBLESHOOTING
   Video issues
   Sound issues
   Internet & connectivity issues
   
V. COPYRIGHT INFORMATION

VI. CREDITS

===========================

---------------
I. INTRODUCTION
---------------

Welcome to Epic for Battlezone 2.

The Epic Project is an attempt to overhaul BZ2 into something much larger in scope.

Updated assets and new gameplay features are designed around the premise of using vastly increased draw distances to create much more expansive and visible environments, thereby permitting much more "realistic" performance of BZ2 vehicles and weapons.

More importantly for the first time, the full vastness of the battlefield and the disposition of your squads upon it are layed out before your eyes, granting the player a level of command and control previously unknown in any Battlezone game.

Units are faster, aircraft fly higher, bullets travel further and the horizon is very far away. Epic leverages your newer faster PC and exploits 1.3 capabilities to bring you a totally new Battlezone experience.

The files you just installed comprise the core assets required for all Epic gameplay modes with the exception of Epic Fleet Command. Epic part 1 is the first public release of the project and includes:

- Playable Scion and EDF races upgraded to Epic dynamics.
- The Cerberi, heavily updated and included as a high powered AI opponent.
- Highly configurable IA and MPI game modes with challenging AI enemies.
- A selection of Epic scaled IA and MPI maps
- Overhauled visuals, FX, sounds
- Brand new units including Infantry, Airforce, Heros and more.
- New environments and hazards
- Epic Editor object listings for easy custom player maps
- much more.


Epic Part 2 is a substantial update scheduled for immediate release "when it's done" and is planned to include:

- Upgraded playable Cerberi - MP ready and balanced for the first time, including powerful new Epic tech and weapons. Take on the role of the high powered Cerberi Cybrid and smash the good guys to smoking scrap.

- All new Epic Fleet Commander assets and game modes - BZ2 enters orbit in a gameplay experience like no other. Pilot deadly fighters and command massive capital ships as you defend EDF and Scion space from the awesome might of the Cerberi armada.

- AIPs and DLLs supercharged with G66 technology.

- New MP modes and play options.

- First conversions of Lizards Fleshstorm races and factions


Make sure you visit www.bz2md.com regularly for latest Epic updates and map packs.
 
 
--------------------
II. ADDITIONAL NOTES
--------------------

-CAMPAIGN-

Epic currently has no single player campaign. We wanted to do one and there is a bunch of assets there that were to be used for such a purpose, the story is great too - but in the end we decided that given the option we'd rather develop Multiplayer and really polish the IA modes in preparation for the addition of full MP strat once player feedback lets us get it properly balanced.

Apologies to anybody who was hoping for a campaign, maybe later.


-MAPS-

Some of the maps included in Epic 1.0 were initially designed for such a campaign or to test terrain ideas, which is why they may look very cool but not flow well or be balanced in IA or MPI strat. Due to an editor issue with Epic map scale in current BZ2 1.3 betas, it is very difficult to produce high-quality Epic maps at this time, or even edit old ones from 1.2. So the maps are a little sparse basically.

However if demand for them exists, we will be updating Epic regularly with conversions of community favourite strategy maps for IA and MP modes, and plan to introduce additional playable factions and game modes as we finalise them.


-FLEET MOD-

Likewise, the much anticipated Epic Fleet Commander modes proved difficult to immediately update into 1.3 due to various compatability issues with latest builds. Rest assured that Epic Space strategy modes are still under full development in 1.3 with near final assets in testing but already featuring vastly improved gameplay over 1.2 physics.


-BUGS and ISSUES-

As this is the first public release of Epic BZ2, issues will no doubt arise. Please take the time to report any bugs or suggestions on the Epic public forum at www.bz2md.com so we can address them in updates. All comments and criticisms are welcome.

This readme file contains all the information you should need to get Epic installed and set up on your computer and troubleshoot common issues that may arise during installation and setup.



----------------
III. INSTALLATION
----------------

-SYSTEM REQUIREMENTS-

Epic requires that your computer can run BATTLEZONE2 and that it is installed and updated to 1.3 PB5.1 or better.

Hardware and operating system requirements are therefore the minimum required to support BZ2, however players should be aware that due to much higher draw distances on most maps Epic will generally use significantly more system resources than vanilla BZ2.


-UNINSTALLING-

Epic can be uninstalled from your system from the Add/Remove programs section of the Windows Control Panel (Start -> Settings -> Control Panel).  Select Epic1.0 from the list of applications installed and select Change/Remove, then follow the instructions on screen.



--------------------
IV. TROUBLESHOOTING
--------------------

Prior to troubleshooting any issues, make sure you have the latest version of Battlezone 2 PB5.1 or better installed.  Links to updates can be found at the following websites:

www.bzuniverse.com/forum/

www.bz2md.com


-VIDEO ISSUES-

Most video issues with games can be resolved by installing the latest drivers for your video card from the manufacturer's website.

ATI:    http://www.amd.com
NVIDIA: http://www.nvidia.com

or updating DirectX to latest version, available from Microsoft(R).

If your computer can usually play BZ2 but stutters when playing Epic, this is likely due to increased resources required by Epic to display all the new stuff at such long range. Consider reducing graphic settings to maintain good framerates, especially in multiplayer modes. You probably know that already if you read this far.


-SOUND ISSUES-

Likewise most sound issues can be resolved by ensuring you have the latest drivers installed for your sound card.  Please check with the manufacturer for the latest drivers.

Ensure that any audio input devices (headsets & microphones for example) and connected and functional prior to launching Epic.


-INTERNET & CONNECTIVITY ISSUES-

Epic requires an active Internet connection for online play. We shouldn't have to tell you that right? If you are having problems connecting to a server, make sure your Internet connection is active (try websites, other online games, etc).

If you can't find any games this is because BZ2 is really old now and not many people still play regularly. Those that are might not be playing Epic for whatever reason. One reason might be that Epic draw distances ask a lot from the netcode. We have tested MPI a lot and it seems to generally work OK on a good connection with high multiworld frequency.


-------------------------
V. COPYRIGHT INFORMATION
-------------------------


If you don't agree to the following brief legal stuff then please don't install Epic. By proceeding with the installation, your agreement with these terms is assumed.

Although every effort is made to ensure correctness and proper functioning of Epic, this software is provided freely "as is" and any express or implied warranties, including, but not limited to, the implied fitness for the particular purpose of snotting evil aliens on distant worlds either by yourself or in multiplayer are disclaimed.

In no event shall the Epic Production Team or other contributors be liable for any direct, indirect, incidental, special, exemplary, metaphysical or consequential damages (including, but not limited to, procurement of substitute goods or services; loss of use, data, or profits; or business interruption) however caused and on any theory of liability (including negligence, sabotage, mind control or otherwise) arising in any way out of the use of this software, even if advised of the possibility that such damage might occur because this mod is so hardcore.

Custom assets are copyright Epic Team 2010. Permission is hereby given to freely use, modify and distribute any and all custom Epic geometry, textures and data with any other BZ2 mod or non-related project, either free or commercial. We request only that you credit us with our work and maybe let us know about your cool project when it's done.

Certain elements of Epic remain copyright Activision and/or Pandemic Studios and fall within their conditions of use. Certain other elements remain the property of their creators and/or copyright holders and are used with permission, or else were freely available for use. 


-------------------------
VI. CREDITS
-------------------------

2010 BZ2CP Epic Core team

Commando
General Blackdragon
GreenHeart
Nielk1
Red Devil

...for MP and IA development, play testing, 1.3 integration and bug stomping


Project management by Lizard


Concept and assets by Slaor


With special thanks to:

GSH Ultraken and BZU for our shiny new 1.3
The original BZ2CP for inspiration, insight and opportunity
Lizard for keeping Epic alive and getting it to you
Commando for invaluable tools and 1.3 savvy
Fishbone and the BZ2MD regulars for tools and talent
Avatar for invaluable input throughout Epic development
Zeeder for the chickens
Past Present and Future BZ fans everywhere for still hanging in there

Epic features assets and references adapted from Forgotten Enemies (c) BZ2CP
Epic utilizes adapted stock BZ2 assets (c) Pandemic Studios
FleshStorm assets by Lizard used with permission
Uler assets by Coxxon used with permission
Cerberi Voices by SAPI
Terraforming thanks to Winter by Commando
1.3 integration thanks to Modlog by Commando
File management thanks to pakExplorer by Christian Leinen
XSI's configured in "Threed" BZ2ME
Includes textures sourced from CGTextures.com
Rights relating to certain Epic assets are retained by Activision

Epic is Compatible with ModManager5 by CmptrWz

Forum hosted by Battlezone 2 Mod Development

www.bz2md.com


The Battlezone Epic project is dedicated to the millions who suffer every day from conflict and violence. We can only hope that maybe one day the only such battles humanity must still endure will be confined to games like this and the sad memories of more troubled times.
